Vacuum food processing system

ABSTRACT

An attachment for use with a food processing system includes a sealable body including a wall and a processing chamber, a chamber opening formed in said sealable body, and a vacuum passage arranged in fluid communication with said chamber opening. The vacuum passage is associated with at least one of said wall and said processing chamber of said sealable body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/815,998, filed Mar. 8, 2019, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a blender, andmore particularly to a container of a blender configured to receive oneor more food items therein.

Blenders are commonly used to process a plurality of different foodproducts, including liquids, solids, semi-solids, gels and the like. Itis well-known that blenders are useful devices for blending, cutting,and dicing food products in a wide variety of commercial settings,including home kitchen use, professional restaurant or food servicesuse, and large-scale industrial use. They offer a convenient alternativeto chopping or dicing by hand, and often come with a range ofoperational settings and modes adapted to provide specific types oramounts of food processing, e.g., as catered to particular foodproducts.

Several benefits can be achieved by forming a vacuum within a blendercontainer or attachment either prior to or after a blending operation.For example, by forming a vacuum prior to a blending operation, theoverall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredientsbeing processes may be reduced. Accordingly, a blender container orattachment may include a seal that is movable to selectively form avacuum within the blender container. However, when the blender containeris used in high vibration environments, such as in a vehicle or when thecontainer is being carried in a bag for example, it is possible thatliquid or other ingredients from the interior of the blender containermay leak through the seal.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, an attachment for use with a food processingsystem includes a sealable body including a wall and a processingchamber, a chamber opening formed in said sealable body, and a vacuumpassage arranged in fluid communication with said chamber opening. Thevacuum passage is associated with at least one of said wall and saidprocessing chamber of said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passage isat least partially defined by said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passage isintegrally formed with said wall of said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is arranged at aside of said sealable body, external to said wall and said processingchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a secondary structureconnected to said wall, wherein said secondary structure and said wallcooperate to define at least a portion of said vacuum passage.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure isovermolded to said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure is a moldedchannel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure is anextruded channel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure is affixedto said wall via an induction weld.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure forms aseamless interface with said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments at least a portion of said secondarystructure is flush with an adjacent surface of said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passageextends through said processing chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said portion of said vacuum passageis mounted to an interior surface of said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is at leastpartially defined by a rigid tube.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a vacuum chamberconnected to said vacuum passage and said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a cover mounted to saidsealable body, wherein said cover and said sealable body cooperate todefine said vacuum chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a lid, wherein saidvacuum chamber is defined within said lid.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a vacuum sealing assemblyarranged within said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a release mechanismassociated with said processing chamber, wherein said release mechanismis movable to fluidly couple said processing chamber to an ambientatmosphere external to said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said sealable body has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and a secondorientation when connected to said food processing base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said sealable body has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and whenconnected to said food processing base.

According to yet another embodiment, a food processing system includes afood processor base including a vacuum system and an attachmentconfigured for removable association with the food processor base. Theattachment includes a sealable body including a wall and a processingchamber. A chamber opening is formed in the sealable body and a vacuumpassage is arranged in fluid communication with the chamber opening. Thevacuum passage is associated with at least one of said wall and saidprocessing chamber of the sealable body. When the attachment isinstalled about said food processor base, the vacuum passage is fluidlyconnected to said vacuum system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum system is arrangedadjacent a first side of said food processing base, and said vacuumpassage is aligned with said first side of said food processing basewhen installed to said food processing base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passage isat least partially defined by said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passage isintegrally formed with said wall of said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is arranged at aside of said sealable body, external to said wall and said processingchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said sealable body includes asecondary structure connected to said wall, wherein said secondarystructure and said wall cooperate to define at least a portion of saidvacuum passage.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure isovermolded to said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure is a moldedchannel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure is anextruded channel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure affixed tosaid wall via an induction weld.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure forms aseamless interface with said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments at least a portion of said secondarystructure is flush with an adjacent surface of said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passageextends through said processing chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said portion of said vacuum passageis mounted to an interior surface of said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is at leastpartially defined by a rigid tube.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a vacuum chamberconnected to said vacuum passage and said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a cover mounted to saidsealable body, wherein said cover and said sealable body cooperate todefine said vacuum chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a lid, wherein saidvacuum chamber is defined within said lid.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a vacuum sealing assemblyarranged within said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a release mechanismassociated with said processing chamber, wherein said release mechanismis movable to fluidly couple said processing chamber to an ambientatmosphere external to said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said sealable body has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and a secondorientation when connected to said food processing base.

In yet another embodiment, an attachment for use with a food processingsystem includes a sealable body including a processing chamber, a vacuumpath extending from the processing chamber through at least a portion ofsaid sealable body, and a release path extending from the processingchamber to an exterior of said sealable body. The vacuum path isseparate from the release path.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum path further comprises avacuum chamber and a vacuum passage, said vacuum passage being integralwith said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a cover mounted to saidsealable body, wherein said cover and said sealable body cooperate todefine said vacuum chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a lid connectable to anopen end of said sealable body to seal said processing chamber, whereinsaid vacuum chamber is defined within said lid.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a chamber openingconnecting said processing chamber to said vacuum chamber and a vacuumsealing assembly arranged within said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said release path includes a releaseopening formed in a wall defining an end of said processing chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a release mechanismassociated with said release opening, said release opening being movableto couple said processing chamber to an ambient atmosphere external tosaid sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum sealing assembly andsaid release mechanism are independently operable.

According to another embodiment, a food processing system includes afood processor base including a vacuum system and an attachmentconfigured for removable association with said food processor base. Theattachment includes a sealable body including a processing chamber and avacuum path extending from said processing chamber through at least aportion of said sealable body. The vacuum path of said attachment isarranged in fluid communication with said vacuum system when saidattachment is connected to said food processing base. A release pathextends from said processing chamber to an exterior of said sealablebody. The vacuum path is separate from the release path.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum path further comprises avacuum chamber and a vacuum passage, said vacuum passage being integralwith said sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a cover mounted to saidsealable body, wherein said cover and said sealable body cooperate todefine said vacuum chamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a lid connectable to anopen end of said sealable body to seal said processing chamber, whereinsaid vacuum chamber is defined within said lid.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum path further comprises achamber opening connecting said processing chamber to said vacuumchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a vacuum sealing assemblyarranged within said chamber opening.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said release path further comprisinga release opening formed in a wall defining an end of said processingchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a release mechanismassociated with said release opening, said release opening being movableto couple said processing chamber to an ambient atmosphere external tosaid sealable body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum path includes a movablevacuum sealing assembly and said release path includes a movable releasemechanism, said vacuum sealing assembly and said release mechanism beingindependently operable.

According to yet another embodiment, an attachment assembly for use witha food processing system includes a container having a processingchamber including an open end, an accessory connectable to the open endof said container to seal said processing chamber, and a vacuum passagehaving an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is arranged in fluidcommunication with the processing chamber, and the outlet is located atan area of said container separate from said accessory.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said outlet is vertically offsetfrom said open end of said container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is associatedwith at least one of a wall of said container and said processingchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a portion of said vacuum passage isintegrally formed with said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is arranged at aside of said container, external to said wall and said processingchamber.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a secondary structureconnected to said wall, wherein said secondary structure and said wallcooperate to define at least a portion of said vacuum passage.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said secondary structure forms aseamless interface with said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments at least a portion of said secondarystructure is flush with an adjacent surface of said wall.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said vacuum passage is at leastpartially defined by a rigid tube.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said sealable body has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and whenconnected to said food processing base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said accessory is a lid.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said container has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and a secondorientation when connected to said food processing base.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said accessory is a rotatable bladeassembly.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of forming a vacuum in aprocessing chamber of an attachment of a food processing system includesoperating a vacuum mechanism arranged in fluid communication with vacuumchamber formed in the attachment, sensing a pressure of said vacuumchamber, detecting that said pressure within said vacuum chamber isequal to a target pressure, and operating said vacuum mechanism aftersaid pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to said targetpressure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments operating said vacuum mechanismafter said pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to said targetpressure includes operating said vacuum mechanism continuously.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments operating said vacuum mechanismafter said pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to said targetpressure includes operating said vacuum mechanism intermittently.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments operating said vacuum mechanismafter said pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to said targetpressure includes operating said vacuum mechanism for a fixed period oftime after said pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to saidtarget pressure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments operating said vacuum mechanismafter said pressure within said vacuum chamber is equal to said targetpressure includes operating said vacuum mechanism until said pressurewithin said vacuum chamber is equal to another target pressure,different from said target pressure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said another target pressure is agreater negative pressure than said target pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification embodies several aspects of the present invention and,together with the description, serves to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a food processing system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of a food processing system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food processing system having a firstattachment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of an attachment suitable foruse with a food processing system;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a food processing system accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vacuum attachment suitable for usewith a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum attachment of FIG. 6according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a lid of a vacuumattachment according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lid of a vacuum attachmentaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lid of a vacuum attachmentaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vacuum attachment suitable for usewith a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum attachment of FIG. 11according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another vacuum attachment suitablefor use with a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of another vacuum attachment suitable foruse with a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a perspective schematic view of the vacuum attachment ofFIG. 14A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another vacuum attachment suitable foruse with a food processing system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an end of a vacuum attachmentaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an end of a vacuum attachmentaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another vacuum attachment suitablefor use with a food processing system according to an embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a multi-functional foodprocessing system 20 is illustrated. In general, the food processingsystem 20 can be adapted to perform any food processing or blendingoperation including as non-limiting examples, dicing, chopping, cutting,slicing, mixing, blending, stirring, crushing, or the like. Although thefood processing system illustrated and described herein is a personalblender system, other food processing systems are within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

The food processing system 20 includes a base 22 having a body orhousing 24 within which a motorized unit (not shown) and at least onecontroller (not shown) are located. The base 22 includes at least onerotary component, such as a drive coupler 26 (see FIG. 2) for example,driven by the motorized unit located within the housing 24. The base 22additionally includes a control panel or user interface 28 having one ormore inputs 29 for turning the motorized unit on and off and forselecting various modes of operation, such as pulsing, blending, orcontinuous food processing. The at least one drive coupler 26 isconfigured to engage a portion of an attachment 30 coupled to the base22 for the processing of food products located within an interior of theattachment 30. This will become more apparent in subsequent FIGS. anddiscussion.

One or more attachments 30 varying in size and/or functionality may beconfigured for use with the base 22. A first attachment 30 shown in FIG.3 includes a jar or container 32 having a rotatable blade assembly 34.In some embodiments, the container 32 may be sized to hold approximately72 fluid ounces. However, embodiments where the container 32 has alarger or smaller capacity are also within the scope of the disclosure.As shown, the container 32 typically includes a first open end 36, asecond closed end 38, and one or more sidewalls 40 extending between thefirst end 36 and the second end 38 to define a hollow processing chamber42 of the container 32. A rotatable blade assembly 34 may be integrallyformed with the second end 38 of the container 32, or alternatively, maybe removably coupled thereto. The attachment 30 may additionally includean accessory, such as a lid 43 configured to couple to the first openend 36 of the container 32 to seal the container 32. The second sealedend 38 of the attachment of FIG. 3 is configured to mount to the base 22to perform a food processing operation. Accordingly, the orientation ofthe container 32 when the attachment 30 is connected to the base 22 andseparated from the base 22 remains generally constant.

Another example of an attachment 30 suitable for use with the foodprocessing system is shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated, non-limitingembodiment, the second attachment 30′ is an inverted jar or container 32having a rotatable blade assembly 34 coupled thereto. Similar to theattachment of FIG. 3, the container 32 typically includes a first openend 36, a second closed end 38, and one or more sidewalls 40 extendingbetween the first end 36 and the second end 40. The sidewalls 40 incombination with one or more of the ends 36, 38 of the container 32define a hollow interior processing chamber 42 of the container 32. Inembodiments where the attachment 30 is a personal blending containerthat has a first configuration when separated from the base 22 and asecond inverted configuration when coupled to the base 22, an accessory,such as a rotatable blade assembly 34 for example, is configured toremovably couple to the first open end 36 of the container 32 to sealthe processing chamber 42. The container 32 and blade assembly 34 may bethreadably coupled together; however, it should be understood that othermechanisms for removably connecting the container 32 and the bladeassembly 34 are also contemplated herein.

In each of the various attachment configurations, the rotatable bladeassembly 34 is configured to couple to the base 22 of the foodprocessing system 20. A driven coupler (not shown) associated with theat least one blade 37 is positioned a surface of the rotatable bladeassembly 34 that is not received within the processing chamber 42. Theat least one drive coupler 26 is configured to engage the driven couplerto rotate the at least one blade 37 about an axis X to process the foodproducts located within the processing chamber 42 of the attachment 30.It should be understood that the attachments 30 including a container 32and a rotatable blade assembly 34 illustrated and described herein areintended as an example only, and that other attachments, are alsocontemplated herein.

In some embodiments, the attachment 30 may include one or more contactmembers 46, such as tabs for example, positioned about the periphery ofthe attachment 30. Although four contact members 46 are generallyillustrated in FIG. 4, any number of contact members 46 is within thescope of the disclosure. In embodiments where the attachment 30 includesa container 32 and a blade assembly 34, the contact members 46 mayextend outwardly from the container 32, the blade assembly 34, or both.

The contact members 46 of the attachment 30 are configured to cooperatewith a mounting area 48 of the base 22 to couple the attachment 30 tothe base 22. As shown, the mounting area 48 includes one or morereceiving slots 50 within which each of the plurality of contact members46 of the attachment 30 is receivable. The attachment 30 may beconfigured to slidably connect to the base 22 of the food processingsystem 20. Alternatively or in addition, the attachment 30 may beconfigured to rotatably connect to the base 22 such that the attachment30 is locked relative to the base 22. However, it should be understoodthat any suitable mechanism for coupling the attachment to the base 22is within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 10, in an embodiment, the foodprocessing system 20 is operable to perform a vacuum operation.Accordingly, the base 22 of the food processing system 20 mayadditionally include a vacuum system 52 having a mechanism 54 capable ofdrawing a vacuum, such as a vacuum pump for example. However, anymechanism capable of drawing a vacuum is contemplated herein. At leastone attachment 30 configured for use with the base 22 is operablycoupled to the vacuum pump 54 when the attachment 30 is connected withthe base 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the vacuumpump 54 is arranged at a side 56 of the base 22, such as at the rearthereof, to allow one or more attachments 30 having varyingconfigurations to easily couple to the vacuum pump 54. The vacuum pump54 may be operably coupled to a controller, illustrated schematically atC, such that the vacuum pump 54 is operated by the controller C inresponse to actuation of one or more inputs 29 of the user interface 28.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 10, and further reference now toFIGS. 6-9 and 11-16 various attachments suitable for a vacuum operationare illustrated. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS.6-9 an example of a vacuum attachment 130 suitable for use to perform avacuum operation is shown. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodimentof FIGS., the attachment 130 is similar to the attachment of FIG. 3, andincludes a vacuum container 132 sized to hold approximately 72 fluidounces. As previously described, the container 132 typically includes afirst open end 136, a second closed end 138, and one or more sidewalls140 extending between the first end 136 and the second end 138 to definea hollow interior processing chamber 142 of the container 132.

The vacuum attachment 130 additionally includes a lid 143 configured toselectively couple to the first open end 136 of the container 132 toseal the chamber 142 of the container 132. In an embodiment, the lid 143has at least one internal chamber formed therein, partially defined by awall 145. As shown, the lid 143 may include a first chamber 150 locatedat a first side 152 thereof and a second chamber 154 arranged adjacent asecond side 156 thereof. Although the first chamber 150 and the secondchamber 154 are shown as being disposed at opposite sides of the lid143, or adjacent sides of the lid 143, embodiments where the chambers150, 154 are formed at the same side of the lid 143 are also within thescope of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the lid 143 includes at least one component, such as aflap 158 for example, movable between a first closed position and asecond open position, relative to the lid 143. When the flap 158 is inthe first closed position, an interior facing surface 160 of the flap158 defines an upper extent of first chamber 150. When the lid 143 isaffixed to the first open end 136 of the container 132, the firstchamber 150 is arranged in fluid communication with a vacuum passage162, to be described in more detail below. Accordingly, the firstchamber 150 may also be considered a vacuum chamber. Alternatively, orin addition, a second flap 164 pivotal between a first closed positionand a second open position, may be operable to operate a releasemechanism, to be described in more detail later, disposed within thesecond chamber 154.

The container 132 additionally includes a vacuum passage or conduit 162configured to fluidly connect the vacuum pump 54 and the vacuum chamber150 when the attachment 130 is coupled to the base 22. In an embodiment,an end 166 of the vacuum passage 162 may extend into or directly couplewith the vacuum chamber 150. However, because the vacuum chamber 150 isdisposed in the lid 143, in other embodiments, the vacuum passage 162does not extend beyond the end 138 of the container 132. As a result, aportion of the vacuum passage 162 may be at least partially defined bythe lid 143.

The vacuum passage 162 may have a generally linear configuration asshown in FIG. 7, or alternatively, may have one or more bends or anglesformed therein. Because the vacuum pump 54 is located at a side 56 ofthe base 22, a distal end 168 of the vacuum passage 162 configured toabut with a surface of the base 22 to fluidly couple to the vacuum pump54 is similarly located adjacent a corresponding side of the container132. In an embodiment, a portion of the vacuum system 52 is arrangedadjacent an upper surface 58 of the base 22. As a result, the distal end168 of the vacuum passage 162 may be vertically offset from the firstend 136 of the container 132. However, embodiments where the distal end168 of the vacuum passage 162 is aligned with the first end 136 of thecontainer 132 are also considered herein.

Another example of a vacuum attachment 230 is shown in FIGS. 10-15. Avacuum attachment 230 having a configuration similar to the inverted jaror container of FIG. 4 is shown. The attachment 230 includes an invertedjar or container 232 including a first open end 236, a second closed end238, and one or more sidewalls 240 extending between the first end 236and the second end 238 to define a hollow processing chamber 242 of thecontainer 232. An accessory, such as a rotatable blade assembly aspreviously described for example, is connectable to the first open end236 of the container 232 and is configured to couple to a drive unit ofthe base 22, when the container 232 is installed about the base 22. Theattachment 230 generally has a first configuration when separated fromthe base 22 and a second inverted configuration when coupled to the base22.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the container 232 includesan interior wall 245 disposed at a position between the first end 236and the second end 238. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, theinterior wall 245 seals the processing chamber 242 but is offset fromthe second end 238 of the container 232. A cover 258 is verticallyoffset from the interior wall 245, at a position between the interiorwall 245 and the second end 238 of the container 232. The cover 258 maybe permanently affixed to the container 232, or alternatively, may beable to move, for example pivot, relative to the interior wall 245between a closed position and an open position. In an embodiment, thecover 258 extends from a protrusion 259 located at a central portion ofthe interior wall 245 to an interior surface 261 of the sidewall 240. Agasket or seal 263 may be mounted to the cover 258 and configured tocontact the interior surface 261 of the sidewall 240 and the interiorwall 245 to form an air-tight seal there between. Together the interiorwall 245, adjacent sidewall 240, and cover 258 cooperate to define avacuum chamber 250 sealed from the ambient atmosphere and separate fromthe processing chamber 242.

The container 132 additionally includes a vacuum passage or conduit 262configured to fluidly connect the vacuum pump 54 and the vacuum chamber250 when the attachment 230 is coupled to the base 22. The vacuumpassage 262 may have a generally linear configuration as shown in FIG.12, or alternatively, may have one or more bends or angles formedtherein (see FIG. 15). Because the vacuum pump 54 is located at a side56 of the base 22, the distal end 168 of the vacuum passage 162configured to abut with a surface of the base 22 to fluidly couple tothe vacuum pump 54 is similarly located adjacent a corresponding side ofthe container 232. Similar to the attachment 130, as a result of thepositioning of the vacuum system 52 relative to the base 22, the distalend 268 of the vacuum passage 262 may be vertically offset from thefirst end 236 of the container 232. However, embodiments where the firstend 164 of the vacuum passage 162 is aligned with the first end 136 ofthe container 132 are also considered herein.

With reference now to both vacuum attachments 130, 230, in anembodiment, the vacuum passage 162, 262 is integrally formed with thebody, such as the sidewall 140, 240 for example, of the container 132,232. As best shown in FIG. 11, the vacuum passage 162, 262 is embeddedwithin a sidewall 140, 240 of the container 132, 232. However, in otherembodiments, the vacuum passage 162, 262 may be arranged at an exteriorof the container 32. In such embodiments, the vacuum passage 162, 262may be at least partially defined by the sidewall 140, 240 of thecontainer 132, 232, or alternatively, may be completely separate fromthe sidewall 140, 240. In such embodiments the vacuum passage 162, 262may be formed with the container 132, 232 such as via an additivemanufacturing, overmoulding, insert molding, or injection moldingprocess for example.

In other embodiments, a secondary structure 170, 270 is affixed to thesidewall 140, 240 of the container 132, 232 to define a portion of thevacuum passage 162. The secondary structure 170, 270 may is formed fromthe same material, or alternatively, a different material than thematerial of the container 132, 232. In an embodiment, best shown in FIG.12, the secondary structure 270 is integrally formed with the container232 via an over-molding or insert molding process. In anotherembodiment, shown in FIGS. 13-14, the secondary structure 270 is amolded or extruded silicone channel and the edges of the channel aresealed to the sidewall 240 of the container 232 such that food cannotbecome lodged or stuck at the interface between the sidewall 240 and thechannel 270. The channel 270 may further include a rigid tube 272 (seeFIG. 13) that forms at least a portion of the vacuum passage 262.However, embodiments, where the silicone channel 270 is contoured todefine a vacuum passage 262 between the channel 270 and the sidewall 240of the container 232 are also contemplated herein. In addition, althoughthe secondary structure 270 is described as a silicone channel, itshould be understood that any suitable material is within the scope ofthe disclosure. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 15, the secondarystructure 270 is affixed to the container 232 via an induction weld.

It should be understood that any secondary structure 170, 270 having anyconfiguration may be affixed to or integrally formed with the container132, 232 using any of the connection processes described herein, or anyother suitable processes. Regardless of the material of the secondstructure 170, 270 and/or the manufacturing process used to connect thesecondary structure 170, 270 with the container 132, 232 at least aportion of the secondary structure 170, 270 encasing a portion of thevacuum passage 162, 262 is flush with and typically forms a smoothtransition with the adjacent sidewall 140, 240 of the container 132,232.

With reference now to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, at least a portion ofthe vacuum passage 162, 262 is located at an interior of the container132, 232. As shown, the vacuum passage 162, 262 extends through theprocessing chamber 142, 242 such that the vacuum passage 162, 262remains isolated from the processing chamber 142, 242 over the height ofthe processing chamber 142, 242. As a result, an exterior surface of thecontainer 132, 232 is generally smooth and unaltered by the presence ofa vacuum passage 162, 262. In addition, in some embodiments the vacuumpassage 162, 262 may extend beyond an end of container 132, 232configured to connect to the food processing base 22. Although thevacuum passage 162, 262 is shown as arranged at an inner surface 241 ofthe sidewall 140, 240, it should be understood that the vacuum passage162, 262 may be arranged at any position within the processing chamber142, 242. Further, the vacuum passage 162, 262 may be integrally formedwith the interior 241 of the sidewall 140, 240 of the container 132,232, or alternatively, may be encased by a secondary structure (notshown) connected to a surface 241 of the sidewall 140, 240. It shouldfurther be understood that embodiments where only a portion of thevacuum passage 162, 262 is arranged within the processing chamber 142,242, and embodiments where only a portion of the vacuum passage 162, 262is located external to the processing chamber 142, 242 are also withinthe scope of the disclosure.

In addition, depending on a position of the end of the vacuum passage162,262 relative to adjacent the end of the container 132, 232,connectable to the food processing base 22, in embodiments where thecontainer 232 is a personal blending container, a fluid channel may beformed in one or more accessories configured to couple to the end 236 ofthe 232. The fluid channel formed in the accessory, such as therotatable blade assembly 34 for example, will couple the vacuum passage262 of the container 232 to a vacuum system 52 within the foodprocessing base 22. However, embodiments where the end of the vacuumpassage is offset from the open end of the processing chamber 242 arealso contemplated herein.

As best shown in FIG. 18, in embodiments where the container 32 is apersonal blender container 232, the accessory 34, such as the rotatableblade assembly for example, is configured to couple to the open end 236of the container 232. The fluid channel 78 within the accessory 34 isconfigured to form a seal with the vacuum passage 262 in the container232 every time that the accessory 34 is coupled to the container 232. Toensure this alignment and sealing, the accessory 34 may have amulti-part construction. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment,the accessory 34 includes a static inner portion 280 that defines thefluid channel 78 and a rotatable outer portion 282, that is rotatablerelative to the inner portion 280 and the container 232 to selectivelycouple the accessory 34 to the open end 236 of the container 232.Although the outer portion 282 of the accessory 34 is illustrated anddescribed herein as being configured to couple to the container 232 viaa threaded engagement, other connection mechanisms are also within thescope of the disclosure.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-10 and 16-17, each vacuum attachments,such as the inverted vacuum jar 230 and the vacuum pitcher 130, includesa vacuum sealing assembly 300 located within the vacuum chamber 150,250, respectively, at an interface between the processing chamber 142,242 and the vacuum chamber 150, 250, respectively. With reference now toFIG. 16-17, an example of a vacuum sealing assembly 300 is illustratedin more detail. More specifically, the vacuum sealing assembly 300 maybe formed in the wall that separates the processing chamber 142, 242from the vacuum chamber 150, 250. Accordingly, with respect to theinverted vacuum jar 230, the vacuum sealing assembly 300 may be locatedat the interior wall 145, and in an embodiment of the vacuum pitcher130, the vacuum sealing assembly 300 is arranged at a wall 145 of thelid 143. By arranging the vacuum sealing assembly 300 at this positionof each attachment, the vacuum sealing assembly 300 is easily accessibleby a user when the vacuum attachment 130, 230 is coupled to the base 22of the food processing system 20. However, in other embodiments, thevacuum sealing assembly 300 may be located at another location about thevacuum attachment 130, 230.

The vacuum sealing assembly 300 includes an umbrella valve 302 having avalve stem 304 extending through a primary chamber opening 306 formed inthe wall 145, 245, and a flange 308 extending generally perpendicular tothe valve stem 304. As shown, one or more dimensions of the distal end310 of the valve stem 304 are greater than the primary chamber opening306 to restrict movement of the umbrella valve 302 relative to thecontainer or lid, respectively. Via the engagement between the valvestem 304 and the primary chamber opening 306, a flow of fluid or foodparticles from the interior processing chamber 142, 242 of the container132,232 through the primary chamber opening 306 is restricted. Theflange 308 of the umbrella valve 302 may be sized such that a portion ofthe flange 308, such as near the periphery of the flange 308 forexample, is in overlapping arrangement with the at least one secondarychamber opening 312 formed in the wall 145, 245. Alternatively, or inaddition, the sidewalls of the valve stem 304 may be contoured tosimilarly overlap with at least one secondary opening chamber 312. In anembodiment, under normal conditions, the valve stem 304 seals both theprimary chamber opening 306 and the at least one secondary chamberopening 312 to prevent a flow of fluid and/or food particles therethrough. However, embodiments where the flange 308 is operable to sealthe at least one secondary chamber opening 312 are also contemplatedherein. The configuration of the umbrella valve 302 used in the invertedvacuum jar 230, may be identical to, or alternatively, different thanthe configuration of the umbrella valve 302 used in the vacuum pitcher130.

During a vacuum operation, when either attachment 130,230 is mounted tothe base 22 and the vacuum passage 162, 262 is operably coupled to thevacuum system 52, the vacuum mechanism 54 generates a negative pressurewhich is applied to the exposed surface of the umbrella valve 302. Thenegative pressure generated will cause the peripheral portion of theflange 308 to separate from the secondary chamber opening 312 justenough to allow air within the processing chamber 142, 242 to be drawnthere through. As soon as operation of the vacuum mechanism 54 ceasesand the negative pressure is removed, the peripheral portion of theflange 308 will bias back into its original position to seal thesecondary chamber opening 312. This bias may be the result of theresilient material, such as silicone for example, from which theumbrella valve 302 is formed. Alternatively, a biasing mechanism (notshown) may be used to facilitate movement of the flange 308 back into asealing position. A vacuum operation may be performed after food hasbeen disposed within the chamber 142, 242 but prior to performing a foodprocessing operation. In another embodiment, a vacuum operation isinitiated to draw a vacuum within the chamber 142, 242 after performanceof a food processing operation has been performed. Forming a vacuumafter a blending operation may be used to increase the shelf life orstorage of the food products within the attachment 130, 230.

In an embodiment, the food processing system 20 may include a sensor Soperable to detect a pressure within the attachment 130, 230. In anembodiment, the sensor S is located within the vacuum passage 162, 262or the vacuum chamber 150, 250. However, in other embodiments, thesensor S may be located within the processing chamber 142, 242. Thecontroller C is configured to operate the vacuum mechanism 54 inresponse to the pressure measured by the sensor S. In an embodiment, atarget negative pressure is associated with a vacuum operation performedby the food processing system 20. The target pressure may vary based onone or more parameters including, but not limited to, the type ofattachment 30 connected to the food processing base 22 and the volume ofmaterial within the processing chamber 142, 242. In an embodiment, oncethe pressure measured by the sensor S and communicated to the controllerC is equal to the target pressure, the controller C may stop operationof the vacuum mechanism 54.

Alternatively, the controller C may be configured to operate the vacuummechanism 54, either continuously or intermittently, after the targetpressure is detected. In an embodiment, the controller C may beconfigured to operate the vacuum mechanism 54 for a fixed amount of timeafter the pressure within the vacuum chamber 150, 250 and/or vacuumpassage 162, 262 is equal to the target pressure. For example, thecontroller C may operate the vacuum mechanism 54 for an additional tenseconds after the target pressure has been detected within theattachment 130, 230. In other embodiments, the controller C may operatethe vacuum mechanism 54 until a second target negative pressure, greaterthan the first target pressure is achieved. Because a given amount ofpressure is required to move the vacuum sealing assembly 300 to fluidlycouple the vacuum chamber 150, 250 and the processing chamber 142, 242,the pressure within the vacuum chamber 150, 250 may be different, forexample a greater negative pressure, than the pressure within theprocessing chamber 142, 242. When the sensor S detects that the pressurehas reached the first target pressure, such as −80 kPa for example, thepressure within the processing chamber 142, 242 may in fact be less,such as −60 kPa for example, than the first target pressure.Accordingly, operation of the vacuum mechanism 54 for an additionalperiod of time or until a second target pressure has been reached maycompensate for the pressure required to operate the vacuum sealingassembly 300, to achieve the first target pressure within the processingchamber 142/242. Although continued operation of the vacuum mechanism 54is described herein as being determined based on time or a secondthreshold, any suitable control of the vacuum mechanism to achieve thedesired pressure within the processing chamber 142, 242 is within thescope of the disclosure.

The vacuum attachment 130, 230 additionally includes a release mechanism320 operable to vent the processing chamber 142, 242 of the container132, 232 to ambient via a release path, thereby breaking the vacuumformed therein. The release mechanism 320 is similarly mounted at alocation of the attachment 130, 230 that is easily accessible by a user.As shown, the release mechanism 320 is located remotely from and is notconnected to the vacuum sealing assembly 300. However, it should beunderstood that embodiments where the release mechanism 320 is directlyor indirectly coupled to the vacuum sealing assembly 300 are also withinthe scope of the disclosure. With respect to the inverted vacuum jar230, the release mechanism 320 is mounted at the exposed second end 238of the container 232. With respect to the vacuum pitcher 130, therelease mechanism 320 may be mounted within the second chamber 154formed in the lid 143.

An example of a release mechanism 320 is shown in more detail in FIGS.16-17. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the releasemechanism 320 includes a connector 322 having a sealing member 324mounted to an end thereof. The release mechanism 320 additionallyincludes an actuator 326 pivotally coupled to the connector 322 via apin 328 defining a pivot axis of the actuator 326. In an embodiment, acamming lever 330 extends from the connector 322 toward the actuator326. When the release mechanism 320 is in an unactuated state, thesealing member 324 is engaged with an adjacent opening 332 fluidlyconnected to the processing chamber 142, 242. A biasing member 334, suchas a coil spring for example, may be coupled to the connector 322 tobias the sealing member 324 into engagement with the opening 332 to forman air tight and liquid tight seal.

To actuate the release mechanism 320, the actuator 326 is pivoted aboutthe axis of pin 328. This movement overcomes the bias of the biasingmember 334 and also applies a force to the camming lever 330 of theconnector 322, and the cammed movement about the pin 328 causes theconnector 322 and sealing member 324 to move vertically, and out ofengagement with the opening 332. This movement out the connector 322 outof engagement with the opening 332, allows ambient air to flow throughthe release path, i.e. between an exterior of the container 132, 232through the exposed opening 332 and into the processing chamber 142,242. With respect to the vacuum pitcher 130, in an embodiment, the flap158 formed in the lid 143 functions as the actuator 326 to selectivelyoperate the release mechanism 320 and break the vacuum within theprocessing chamber 142 of the container 132. Upon removal of the forcefrom the actuator 326, the biasing member 334 will bias the mechanism320 back into its original position, thereby sealing the opening 332.Although a pivotally operated release mechanism 320 is illustrated anddescribed herein, it should be understood that a release mechanismoperable via a pull motion, twisting motion or other suitable motion toseparate the sealing member 324 from the opening 332 are also within thescope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that othermechanisms, such as an umbrella valve or a duckbill valve, or anysuitable movement may also be used to selectively break the vacuum inthe chamber 142, 242.

After a vacuum has been generated within the processing chamber 142, 242of the container 132,232 it is difficult, if not impossible to remove anaccessory, such as the blade assembly or the lid 143 for example, andaccess the food product within the processing chamber 142, 242 as aresult of the forces acting thereon. Accordingly, a user should firstbreak the vacuum within the container 132, 232 by operating the releasemechanism 320 prior to accessing the contents within the interiorprocessing chamber 142, 242 of the container 132, 232.

A vacuum container 132, 232 as illustrated and described herein whenused in conjunction with a vacuum mechanism 54 prior to a foodprocessing operation may provide a food product having increased vitaminretention, specifically vitamin C. Exposure to oxygen during theblending process may cause the ingredients within the container 132, 232to degrade. By removing the oxygen from the container 132, 232, theoverall degradation of the nutritional properties of the ingredientsbeing processes is reduced.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorsexpect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, andthe inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. An attachment for use with a food processing system comprising: asealable body including a wall and a processing chamber; a chamberopening formed in said sealable body; and a vacuum passage arranged influid communication with said chamber opening, said vacuum passage beingassociated with at least one of said wall and said processing chamber ofsaid sealable body.
 2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein a portion ofsaid vacuum passage is at least partially defined by said wall.
 3. Theattachment of claim 1, wherein a portion of said vacuum passage isintegrally formed with said wall of said sealable body.
 4. Theattachment of claim 1, wherein said vacuum passage is arranged at a sideof said sealable body, external to said wall and said processingchamber.
 5. The attachment of claim 4, further comprising a secondarystructure connected to said wall, wherein said secondary structure andsaid wall cooperate to define at least a portion of said vacuum passage.6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)11. (canceled)
 12. The attachment of claim 1, wherein a portion of saidvacuum passage extends through said processing chamber.
 13. (canceled)14. The attachment of claim 1, wherein said vacuum passage is at leastpartially defined by a rigid tube.
 15. The attachment of claim 1,further comprising a vacuum chamber connected to said vacuum passage andsaid chamber opening.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The attachmentof claim 15, further comprising a vacuum sealing assembly arrangedwithin said chamber opening.
 19. The attachment of claim 15, furthercomprising a release mechanism associated with said processing chamber,wherein said release mechanism is movable to fluidly couple saidprocessing chamber to an ambient atmosphere external to said sealablebody.
 20. The attachment of claim 1, wherein said sealable body has afirst orientation when separated from said food processing base and asecond orientation when connected to said food processing base.
 21. Theattachment of claim 1, wherein said sealable body has a firstorientation when separated from said food processing base and whenconnected to said food processing base.
 22. A food processing systemcomprising: a food processor base including a vacuum system; and anattachment configured for removable association with said food processorbase, said attachment including: a sealable body including a wall and aprocessing chamber; a chamber opening formed in said sealable body; anda vacuum passage arranged in fluid communication with said chamberopening, said vacuum passage being associated with at least one of saidwall and said processing chamber of said sealable body, wherein whensaid attachment is installed about said food processor base, said vacuumpassage is fluidly connected to said vacuum system.
 23. The foodprocessing system of claim 22, wherein said vacuum system is arrangedadjacent a first side of said food processing base, and said vacuumpassage is aligned with said first side of said food processing basewhen installed to said food processing base.
 24. The food processingsystem of claim 22, wherein a portion of said vacuum passage is at leastpartially defined by said wall.
 25. The food processing system of claim24, wherein a portion of said vacuum passage is integrally formed withsaid wall of said sealable body.
 26. The food processing system of claim22, wherein said vacuum passage is arranged at a side of said sealablebody, external to said wall and said processing chamber.
 27. The foodprocessing system of claim 26, wherein said sealable body includes asecondary structure connected to said wall, wherein said secondarystructure and said wall cooperate to define at least a portion of saidvacuum passage.
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled) 31.(canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. The food processing systemof claim 23, wherein a portion of said vacuum passage extends throughsaid processing chamber.
 35. (canceled)
 36. The food processing systemof claim 23, wherein said vacuum passage is at least partially definedby a rigid tube.
 37. The food processing system of claim 23, furthercomprising a vacuum chamber connected to said vacuum passage and saidchamber opening.
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. The food processingsystem of claim 23, further comprising a vacuum sealing assemblyarranged within said chamber opening.
 41. The food processing system ofclaim 23, further comprising a release mechanism associated with saidprocessing chamber, wherein said release mechanism is movable to fluidlycouple said processing chamber to an ambient atmosphere external to saidsealable body.
 42. The food processing system of claim 23, wherein saidsealable body has a first orientation when separated from said foodprocessing base and a second orientation when connected to said foodprocessing base. 43.-78. (canceled)